Hello and welcome! This silly blog is an experiment in my own vanity in terms of my opinions on craft beer and music and various pairings (much like you would do with food). I definitely want to express that I am no expert in terms of brewing or in musical composition. This is merely opinion, my opinion (sometimes clouded by consumption) with regards to enjoyable beers and music. Cheers! (Check us out on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brews-and-Tunes/349546661726318?ref=hl)

Friday, April 3, 2015

April 3rd, 2015 - Defenders Of The Tricerahops Double IPA

Good evening evildoers! Your pal the Meister here tonight with a special pairing for all you rockers out there: "Defenders Of The Faith" (Special 30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition Remastered) by the metal gods themselves, Judas Priest and a Tricerahops Double IPA from Ninkasi Brewing Company!! HAILS!!

Sound: A power metal album to the nth degree, on "Defenders..." Priest lays down heavy, aggressive, and melodic classic monster rockers! Songs like opener "Freewheel Burning," "Jawbreaker," "Rock Hard Ride Free," "The Sentinel," "Eat Me Alive," "Some Heads Are Gonna Roll," and "Heavy Duty/Defenders Of The Faith" have inspired more personal head banging nights than I can count and have definitely influenced myriad rockers! The dual guitar work of K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton is mind-blowing! Just listen to that opening of "Freewheel Burning" and the solo work throughout the album! Ian Hill and original drummer Dave Holland lay down some heavy-ass rhythm, the likes of which you rarely find! And what can I say of Rob Halford's vocals on this album?? AWE INSPIRING!!

Major themes: Everything you want in a metal album: vengeance, aggression, sex, violence, and straight-up rocking!!

Taste: Rather bitter and bold, this complex brew is characterized by tasty notes of bitter black tea, pine, orange rind, grapefruit, hints of mango, and a solid caramel malt backbone.

Mouthfeel: Crisp and very dry, this full-bodied double IPA is moderately carbonated with an oily, slick, and bitter finish.

Overall pairing: With a brew as bold and in-your-face as the Tricerahops Double IPA, I needed an album that could compliment the richness, complexity... and the heaviness!! So I picked up the amazing Special 30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition of "Defenders Of The Faith" at the Heavy Metal Shop... and you should too!! www.heavymetalshop.com (Buy local!) Hell yeah!

"Rising from darkness where Hell hath no mercy and the screams for vengeance echo on forever. Only those who keep the faith shall escape the wrath of the Metallian... Master of all metal." March on my metal brethren!! Cheers!!